Sanding plaster sponge with integrated retractable pencil

ABSTRACT

A sanding plaster sponge including an integrated retractable pencil or pen positioned in a channel formed across opposite faces of the sanding plaster sponge; and a pushbutton for positioning a tip of the pencil or pen between retracted and extended positions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved sanding plaster sponge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known in the art to use handheld sanding plaster sponges. It has an abrasive side used for wet sanding and a sponge side to remove residue. It cleans up with a simple rinse and is reusable.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved sanding plaster sponge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an improved sanding plaster sponge with an integrated retractable pencil or pen.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a sanding plaster sponge comprising: an integrated retractable pencil or pen positioned in a channel formed across opposite faces of the sanding plaster sponge; and a pushbutton for positioning a tip of the pencil or pen between retracted and extended positions.

In embodiments, the channel has a tubular shape and is configured to hold in place the pencil or pen therein.

In embodiments, the tip of the pencil is made of lead or graphite.

In embodiments, the pen is an ink pen with preferably erasable ink.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an improved sanding plaster sponge, comprising: providing a sanding plaster sponge; forming a channel between opposite faces of the sanding plaster sponge; and inserting a retractable pencil or pen inside the channel, the pencil or pen having a tip extending from a front side of the channel and a pushbutton located on a rear side of the channel.

An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that the user may use the sponge while also used the pencil or pen in the sponge without needing a separate pencil or pen.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the detailed description provided herein, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the description in association with the following Figures, in which similar references used in different Figures denote similar components, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a sanding plaster sponge with integrated retractable pencil or pen in a retracted position;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the sanding plaster sponge with integrated retractable pencil or pen of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the sanding plaster sponge with integrated retractable pencil or pen of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the sanding plaster sponge with integrated retractable pencil or pen of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a left view of the sanding plaster sponge with integrated retractable pencil or pen of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a right view of the sanding plaster sponge with integrated retractable pencil or pen of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the sanding plaster sponge with integrated retractable pencil or pen of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the sanding plaster sponge with integrated retractable pencil or pen of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the sanding plaster sponge with integrated retractable pencil or pen of FIG. 1, with the pencil in a extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the annexed drawings the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be herein described for indicative purpose and by no means as of limitation.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, there is shown a sanding plaster sponge 10 with an integrated retractable pencil or pen 12 positioned inside a channel 14 formed in the sanding plaster sponge 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The sanding plaster sponge 10 may be of generally rectangular shape as shown. However, the sanding plaster sponge 10 may take other shapes or forms as persons skilled in the art will understand. The channel 14 is formed across opposite faces of the sanding plaster sponge 10. The pencil or pen 12 may be a retractable pencil or pen with a tip 16 extending outwardly from the channel 14 on a front side of the sanding plaster sponge 10 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the pencil or pen 12 is provided with a pushbutton 18 positioned in the opposite side of the channel 14 on the rear side of the sanding plaster sponge 10.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the tip 16 of the pencil or pen 12 is shown in a retracted position inside the channel 14 on the front side of the sanding plaster sponge 10.

Referring back to FIG. 9, the tip 16 of the pencil or pen 12 is shown in an extended position inside the front side of the sanding plaster sponge 10.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the pushbutton 18 is used to change the position of the tip 16 of the pencil or pen 12 between the retracted position shown in FIG. 1 and the extended position shown in FIG. 9.

Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of specific embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention defined in the appended claims. 

1. A sanding plaster sponge comprising: an integrated retractable pencil or pen positioned in a channel formed across opposite faces of the sanding plaster sponge; and a pushbutton for positioning a tip of the pencil or pen between retracted and extended positions.
 2. The sanding plaster sponge of claim 1, wherein the channel has a tubular shape and is configured to hold in place the pencil or pen therein.
 3. The sanding plaster sponge of claim 1, wherein the tip of the pencil is made of lead or graphite.
 4. The sanding plaster sponge of claim 1, wherein the pen is an ink pen.
 5. The sanding plaster sponge of claim 1, wherein the pen is an ink pen with erasable ink.
 6. A method of manufacturing an improved sanding plaster sponge, comprising: providing a sanding plaster sponge; forming a channel between opposite faces of the sanding plaster sponge; and inserting a retractable pencil or pen inside the channel, the pencil or pen having a tip extending from a front side of the channel and a pushbutton located on a rear side of the channel. 